Marie-Anne Lindhardt: One of the world's leading lawyers in sports law

Swedish lawyer Marie-Anne Lindhardt further solidifies her position as one of the world's leading sports lawyers as she is ranked for the third consecutive year in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Sports & Gaming 2025. This recognition comes at a time when the commercialization of sports is increasing, bringing heightened focus to legal matters within the industry.

Marie-Anne Lindhardt is a lawyer and partner at MAQS Advokatbyrå, where she heads the firm’s industry group Sports & Events. She has extensive experience advising companies, federations, associations, athletes, and agents on matters related to regulatory issues, commercial contracts, employment law, and association law. She regularly acts as representative before decision-making bodies of both national and international sports federations, as well as before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. She is also a co-founder of the MAQS Sports Law Arena – an annual event focusing on business and legal issues within the fields of sports, events, and entertainment.

"The industry is at an exciting juncture, with a sharp increase in matters related to investments in and the commercialization of sports. This brings heightened focus to a wide range of issues – from disputes and value-based conflicts, such as those related to fair play, safe sport, and the balance between commercial and non-profit interests, to complex questions concerning rights management, data handling, and contractual matters,” says Marie-Anne Lindhardt.

“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition. Contributing to the advancement of the sports industry and developing innovative solutions as stakeholders navigate increasingly complex regulatory and commercial landscapes is not only professionally rewarding but also intellectually stimulating. The impact of commercialization on the sports industry will be one of the key themes at our upcoming MAQS Sports Law Arena in October,” she concludes.

The ranking in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Sports & Gaming 2025 is based on both qualitative and quantitative analysis, including interviews with key stakeholders in the sports industry. The designation as a Thought Leader confirms that the ranked individual possesses deep expertise and experience in advising on significant and pioneering matters within the field, along with the ability to innovate and inspire. Marie-Anne Lindhardt is the only Swedish lawyer to receive this distinction.